Food production resumes at Ballymaguire Foods after listeriosis outbreak
By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
Food production has resumed at Ballymaguire Foods after a listeriosis outbreak led to ready-made meals being recalled.
Two weeks ago the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said there was an “extensive” outbreak of listeriosis and dozens of meals and side dishes were being recalled as a precaution.
The prepared meals – produced by Ballymaguire Foods and sold at Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, Aldi and The Happy Pear – included cottage pies, lasagnes, pasta bakes, curries and potato side dishes.
Ballymaguire Foods said it detected listeria at one of its production sites and apologised to its customers.
Manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers were asked to remove the products from sale and consumers were asked not to eat them.
Listeriosis, which is usually contracted by eating contaminated food, can cause mild flu-like symptoms, or nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Serious infections from listeriosis are very uncommon but pregnant women, babies and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.
On Friday, Ballymaguire Foods said it had resumed production after receiving approval from the National Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Products are to be available on retailers’ shelves again from Tuesday, it added.
The company appointed Professor Patrick Wall, a public health expert and former chief executive of the FSAI, to lead its response.
Professor Patrick Wall said: “Listeria is a naturally occurring, complex, and challenging bacteria that, while rare, requires close attention and strong controls in food environments.
“Managing it is not just about routine hygiene — it requires a deep understanding of how it behaves and an unrelenting attention to detail.
“In response to this incident, Ballymaguire Foods has implemented protocols that go beyond best practice, fully align with regulatory standards, and set a benchmark that exceeds industry norms.
“The actions taken are backed by substantial investment and reflect a renewed focus on precision, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
“Every measure is grounded in international best practice and scientific evidence, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and consumer health protection.
“The decision to grant approval for production to resume reflects the authorities’ confidence in the steps taken.
“While Listeria infection is rare and primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those undergoing medical treatment, even low-probability risks must be managed with the utmost seriousness.
“The steps taken at Ballymaguire Foods reflect a genuine commitment to protecting every consumer, and to doing so with transparency and integrity.”
Edward Spellman, co-founder and managing director of Ballymaguire Foods, said the firm would learn from the incident.
“Our team worked closely with public health authorities and independent experts throughout this review, and I want to acknowledge their support, rigour, and professionalism.
“Food safety has always been central to who we are. This experience has challenged us to go even further — to enhance our systems, deepen our expertise, and apply new industry-leading standards.
“We acknowledge the concern this situation has caused. We are resolute in our commitment to learn from it and to strengthening the trust placed in us by our partners, customers, and consumers.”